Take A Meandering Path To A Mississippi Overlook That’s Like Something From A Tropical Dream

Pinning down the best national parks in Mississippi is no easy task. Of course, Vicksburg National Military Park ranks pretty high up there, but it’s not the only NPS site in the state. There are several more, including the Davis Bayou Area. An oasis for outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts lots of recreation opportunities, including a hiking trail that leads to an overlook surrounded by tropical-like vegetation.

The Davis Bayou Area is in Ocean Springs.

It’s part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a National Park Service site shared by Mississippi and Florida.

A true gem, the Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the national seashore in Mississippi that can be accessed by car.

All visits to the Davis Bayou Area should begin with a stop by the Visitor Center. In addition to information on the park, you can watch park-oriented films, view exhibits, and shop for items in the on-site gift shop.

Visitors to the Davis Bayou Area can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including hiking.

Several trails wind through the area.

Rated as easy and just one-fifth of a mile in length, the CCC Overlook Trail is a great choice for a quick hike.

Also known as the CCC Spur Trail, the trek leads through woodlands filled with a mix of flora, including pines, deciduous trees, and palmettos.

The trail comes to an end at an overlook.

The overlook, which was originally intended to afford visitors a view of the bayou, is somewhat obscured by palmetto leaves and magnolia tree branches. Don’t assume the overgrown flora is an oversight, though. The NPS allows nature to blossom (literally!) whenever possible. In this case, the end result is a scene straight from a tropical rainforest. Plus, the bayou is still visible through the greenery, which means the overlook now offers TWO great vistas, instead of one.

In addition to natural beauty, the trail boasts some other perks, including informative signage and some relics from the past.

When the recreation area was being built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938, the grounds included facilities, such as a dining hall and recreation building.

Today, dilapidated concrete foundations are all that remain of those CCC buildings.

The buildings might be long gone, but the CCC left its mark in another way.

The CCC Overlook Trail is named in honor of the group.

If the CCC Overlook Trail doesn't satisfy your need for outdoor fun, don't worry.

The area has lots more to offer. Aside from a few other trails, the Davis Bayou Area features a boat launch, fishing pier, campground, and picnic area.

The Davis Bayou Area isn’t the only NPS site in the state that’s worthy of a visit. Check out the best national parks in Mississippi to learn about others.

So, did you know about this scenic hike in Mississippi? Ever been to the Davis Bayou Area? If so, what’d you think? Is it one of the best national parks in Mississippi? Tell us!

The best parks in Mississippi go beyond those managed by the NPS. There are lots of amazing state parks in Mississippi too.